Arsenal Linked With Hamburg Full-Back

Arsenal Track German Youngster

Arsenal have joined a number of other clubs keeping tabs on the situation surrounding Hamburg youngster Josha Vagnoman.

The 17-year-old has been earmarked by the Gunners’ new head of football recruitment Sven Mislintat as a potential target. But Arsenal will face competition for his signature from Chelsea, Manchester City and Bayern Munich.

Vagnoman has been training with Hamburg’s first team, but he wasn’t considered for last weekend’s clash with Borussia Dortmund as he has yet to put pen to paper on personal terms with the club. He only turned 17 on 11 December last year and was part of the Germany side at the Under-17 World Cup in India.

Vagnoman can only play for Hamburg if he signs a professional contract with the club. As it stands he looks set to become the youngest Bundesliga player in the club’s history. But he is hesitating as Hamburg are currently in 17th place in the 18-team Bundesliga and face the prospect of relegation for the first time in the league’s history.

No Lack Of Commitment From Sanchez Claims Bellerin

Arsenal full-back Hector Bellerin believes Alexis Sanchez was committed to the club’s cause right up to his transfer to Manchester United.

Sanchez moved to Old Trafford in an exchange deal with Henrikh Mkhitaryan heading in the opposite direction.

There were criticisms of the Chilean over a perceived lack of commitment this season. One goal he scored – against Crystal Palace in December – was notable for a lack of celebration amongst his team-mates. But Bellerin told the Oxford Union that he was busy discussing tactics with Calum Chambers to celebrate the goal and that there was no lack of effort from Sanchez during his final months at the club.

“Alexis is an amazing player – pne of the best in the Premier League for sure but he is a player who always wants to win.

“He demands from everyone, sometimes it can be too much. The great thing is he wants to win, to give 100 per cent.

“This season maybe things weren’t going as well for him but I truly believe he was giving 100 per cent.

“There was one game against Crystal Palace. We celebrated a goal and some of the players went I stayed back. I was talking to Calum Chambers because there was some tactical stuff. For me that was more important than celebrating the goal.”